Using Your Local Library

October 20, 2009

The library is a great source for free curriculum materials for your homeschool. Consider your local library a key resource center for your academic work. Here are some tips on how to use your local library most effectively:

GET FAMILIAR WITH THE LIBRARY’S LAYOUT It is important that both you and your children know your way around the stacks and the workings of the Dewey Decimal system. Librarians often schedule tours on how to use the library.  You can take one if you are not familiar with your library. Libraries are full of resources have free access to tools such as computers. You can also save yourself the cost of a subscription by reading the periodicals and  current newspapers while at the library. Additionally, get to know the librarian in your Children’s Department so that she understands your needs as homeschoolers and will know how to help you.

CHOOSE OUT BOOKS AS A FAMILY You will, of course, be choosing books related to your teaching, but a trip to the library is an adventure in reading. Let the children pick out appropriate books for pleasure reading and be sure and pick up a good family read-a-loud. The librarian will often have good suggestions for appropriate books based on age and reading level.

ORGANIZE YOUR CURRICULUM It will make your life much easier if you have a rough draft outline of the classes that you intend to teach for the school year so that you can use your library most effectively for reserving curriculum-related books. You will want to know ahead of time what books you have in mind for your subjects and topics and have them reserved in time for your teaching. There are some subjects, such as foreign language you may actually be able to do on the library computer as an alternative or break from teaching them at home. I generally consider reserving core books, supplemental reading like historical fiction books, and supplemental materials like DVDs that can accompany and enhance my teaching on a particular subject. Although text books can be useful at times, children often respond much more enthusiastically to using a variety of resources on a subject, presented in an imaginative way, particularly in areas like history.

BE AWARE OF SPECIAL AREAS/PROGRAMS Many libraries have a special room reserved for information on your state and its history. You can often find original source document copies that will enhance your teaching.  It will give you the opportunity to tell exciting eyewitness tales of events. Also, be aware of special programs or lectures that the library offers.  Get a copy of the library’s scheduled events. Libraries often make a special effort to honor various cultural and seasonal festivals as well.

USE AS A MEETING PLACE The library is a great place to schedule informal meetings with other homeschoolers.  Many libraries permit homeschool support groups to reserve larger meeting rooms on a monthly basis for networking meetings. Often, evening programs like homeschooling Science Fairs can be arranged at your library. Generally one person in your coop or larger support group acts as a contact person for scheduling events.  Ask your librarian for information on these things.

Think of your library as your homeschooling resource center.  Be familiar with its use and be organized in how you reserve its books and materials. Take time to attend special programs and make use of the space for your meetings.  You will find that your homeschooling at the library can be cost effective and very enjoyable.

Jennifer K. Gray is the Director of Operations for LessonPathways.com.

Lesson Pathways is an innovative online curriculum created entirely from INTERNET RESOURCES, making it easy for educators to use educational resources and links, with limited pre-planning time!

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